Communication and Engagement Manager | PSC1095

The opportunity

Temporary Full-Time | 6-Month Contract

This is a rare opportunity to lead Council's communications and engagement at a critical time. As Communications and Engagement Coordinator, you will shape how Council connects with its community, provides strategic leadership and build trust through clear, timely and strategic communication.

In this role, you will oversee delivery in the areas of communications (internal and external), community engagement, public relations, marketing, media management and website development. 

We're looking for someone with either strong local government experience or experience in a similar organisation, who can hit the ground running and provide calm, confident leadership in a complex political environment. 

We are open to secondment opportunities should this be preference.

Please Note: For the purpose of recruitment, the title
of Communication and Engagement Manager has been used to reflect the
equivalent industry title. Internally the official title of this position
is Communication and Engagement Coordinator.

Some of the key responsibilities within this role are listed below however you can view the full list here – view the position description.

• Provide strategic leadership across Council's communications and engagement function, aligning activity with organisational priorities and Council strategy
• Lead issues management, media relations and crisis communications, providing trusted advice to the executive team and Councillors
• Lead and support a specialist communications team, setting priorities and managing a high-volume and diverse workload
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across communication channels, platforms and practices

This is a temporary opportunity for a period of up to 6 months – working full-time, 35 hours / week 

Base Salary Range: $117,660 to $159,192 pa based on 35 hours / week + 12% superannuation + $19,364 motor vehicle allowance 

You will be working from PSC Administration Building, Raymond Terrace

We're all about putting the right people, in the right role Here's what we're looking for:

• A degree qualification in communication, marketing, media or related field with several years of experience
• Comprehensive experience leading and motivating others to work collaboratively toward achieving challenging and often conflicting goals.
• Extensive understanding of media management and contemporary media landscape.
• Demonstrated project management skills.

This is life at PSC

• Work/Life balance with generous leave entitlements, flexible work options and leave in lieu 
• Long service leave when you've been with us for just over 5 years
• Health & Wellbeing leave to recharge when you need it 
• Industry leading Paid Parental Leave accessible for all employees – regardless of how you became a parent, we offer 14 weeks that can be taken within 2 years from the birth, adoption, or long-term foster care of your child.
• PSCare Day available to all employees to take in addition to your regular leave entitlements
• Confidential support (including mental health) through our employee assistance program
• Award winning health and wellbeing program PSCare, Workers Health Initiative with access to a broad range of gyms in the area, and discounted health insurance
• Free parking on site and a convenient local shopping centre
• Coffee and food to keep you sustained at our on-site café
• And lots more…

Ready to Apply? Here's what you need to know

Applications Close: Midnight, Wednesday, 7 January 2026 

Contact: Emily Livens, Communications and Engagement Coordinator on please note that Council close from 12pm on Wednesday, 24 December and return on Friday, 2 January - if you have a question during that period, please email and a member of our team will be in touch with you on our return prior to the closing date). 

To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Description and our organisation Values

We're a 2024 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant

We've partnered with the Veterans Employment Program to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment

Port Stephens Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and supports children and young people having safe and welcoming experience in our community, accessing our facilities and in our care

We acknowledge the Worimi as the original Custodians and inhabitants of Port Stephens. May we walk the road to tomorrow with mutual respect and admiration as we care for the beautiful land and waterways together